If you’re considering joining the wonderful world of dog ownership, you should know that adopting a dog or puppy isn’t a decision to be taken lightly or impulsively.
Although adopting a dog is an exciting time in anyone’s life, you should prepare for the time, money, and potential problems that may arise after you’ve added a four-legged member to your family.
Before bringing your new doggy friend home, here’s everything you need to know.
The Cost of Dog Ownership
Whether you want to adopt an adult dog or a puppy, you need to understand the financial implications before taking the plunge.
The average American dog owner spends around $1,500 to $9,900 per year on their canine companion – and the expense of having a dog goes beyond just buying food. You’ll need to consider the cost of insurance, toys, bedding, walking gear, grooming, routine vet care, and any additional preventative medication or supplements.
Being able to provide for your furry friend financially is a big part of being a responsible dog owner.
Factors that will influence how expensive it will be to keep your dog happy and healthy are its size, age, general condition, your lifestyle, and the area you live in.
Finding a Great Veterinarian
As a new dog owner, the first thing you’ll need to do is find a good local vet. Your dog’s first outing after coming home with you should be a trip to a reputable veterinarian. Search for a vet with excellent reviews online, or ask your friends and family for recommendations.
Your vet will perform a general health and wellness check on your dog or puppy, and vaccinate, microchip, and deworm him (if it hasn’t already been done by the shelter.)
Your vet should be your first point of contact if you have questions about your dog or want recommendations. Your vet should be able to recommend a suitable premium-quality food, refer you to a good behavioral trainer, and supply preventative medications like tick, worm, and flea treatments.
Stocking Up on Dog Supplies
As your new dog adjusts to his new home, he will need a lot of supplies – like toys for chewing and mental stimulation and comfortable bedding to sleep in. He’ll also need a collar with a nametag and walking gear like a harness and lead.
He’s also going to need food and water bowls and grooming equipment – such as an undercoat rake brush and a slicker brush if he is a double-coated breed (German shepherd, Siberian husky, Border collie, etc.) If your dog is a puppy or not housebroken, you should also pick up some puppy training pads to make potty training easier. Finally, he’ll also need a crate if you plan to crate-train him.
Choosing the Right Dog Food
Your dog’s food is a vital foundation when it comes to his health. However, choosing one can feel overwhelming with so many different types of dog food on the market.
Before choosing a dog food, you should brush up on your knowledge of appropriate canine nutrition and pick a food that will meet your dog’s age and needs.
While there is no hard-and-fast rule about dog food, a general rule of thumb is to stay away from the cheap commercial brands you can find in your local supermarket. When choosing a dog food, learn to read the ingredients on the label. Generally, the first, second, and third ingredients in your dog’s food should be a named meat – for example, beef or chicken.
